Configurable flat panel image to film transfer method and apparatus

ABSTRACT

A method for a film recorder includes displaying a plurality of images on a modified liquid crystal display movably coupled to the film recorder, wherein the modified liquid crystal display panel comprises a liquid crystal display panel with only a single polarizing media layer, disposing a linearly polarizing filter in an optical path of the film recorder, orienting the linearly polarizing filter in a first orientation relative to the modified liquid crystal display panel to thereby configure the film recorder to receive the plurality of images as positive images, and orienting the linearly polarizing filter in a second orientation relative to the modified liquid crystal display panel to thereby configure the film recorder to receive the plurality of images as negative images.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention claims priority and incorporates by reference forall purposes application Ser. No. 10/392,399 filed Mar. 20, 2003 titledFlat Panel LCD and to PCT application No. PCT/US03/11492 filed Apr. 25,2003 titled Flat Panel Digital Film Recorder. The present invention isalso related to and incorporates by reference for all purposes,Application No. ______ filed ______, Attorney docket: 021751-002120US,titled Improved Flat Panel Image to Film Transfer Method and Apparatusand Provisional Application No. ______ filed ______, Attorney docket:021751-002140US, titled Flat Panel Digital Film Recorder and Method.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to image to film transfer. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to techniques and apparatusfor efficient recording of images to film media.

Throughout the years, movie makers have often tried to tell storiesinvolving make-believe creatures, far away places, and fantastic things.To do so, they have often relied on animation techniques to bring themake-believe to “life.” Two of the major paths in animation havetraditionally included, drawing-based animation techniques and physicalanimation techniques.

Drawing-based animation techniques were refined in the twentiethcentury, by movie makers such as Walt Disney and used in movies such as“Snow White and the Seven Dwarves” and “Fantasia” (1940). This animationtechnique typically required artists to hand-draw (or paint) animatedimages onto a transparent media or cels. After painting, each cel wouldthen be captured or recorded onto film as one or more frames in a movie.

Physical-based animation techniques typically required the constructionof miniature sets, props, and characters. The filmmakers would constructthe sets, add props, and position the miniature characters in a pose.After the animator was happy with how everything was arraigned, one ormore frames of film would be taken of that specific arrangement.Physical animation techniques were developed by movie makers such asWillis O'Brien for movies such as “King Kong” (1932). Subsequently,these techniques were refined by animators such as Ray Harryhausen formovies including “The Mighty Joe Young” (1948) and Clash Of The Titans(1981).

With the wide-spread availability of computers in the later part of thetwentieth century, animators began to rely upon computers to assist inthe animation process. This included using computers to facilitatedrawing-based animation, for example, by painting images, by generatingin-between images (“tweening”), and the like. This also included usingcomputers to augment physical animation techniques. For example,physical models could be represented by virtual models in computermemory, and manipulated.

One of the pioneering companies in the computer aided animation (CAA)industry was Pixar Incorporated. Pixar developed both computingplatforms specially designed for CAA, and animation software now knownas RenderMan®. By moving to CAA, Pixar was faced with additionalchallenges. One such challenge was how to accurately and effectivelytransfer CAA images onto film. In response to this problem, Pixarinvented a proprietary laser film recording system named Pixarvision™.

Despite these advances, the inventors of the present invention believedthat further advances could be achieved in image to film transfer. Onesuch advance was to reduce the amount of time needed to record an imageonto frame. Previously, laser film recording could take up to 50 secondsper frame, however with advances in technology, such as Pixarvision™,this time was reduced to about 5 seconds per frame. Because a typicalfeature-length movie may have approximately 160,000 frames, even at 5seconds per frame, it would take over nine days straight to transfer themovie to film.

Another such advance was to increase the quality of release prints. Asis known in the industry, an original camera print is typically printedto form one or more prints termed “interpositives” from which one ormore prints termed “intemegatives” from which release prints are made.In the present case, the inventors recognized that if they could reducethe cost of creating an original camera print sufficiently, one or moregeneration of intermediate could be eliminated. In such a case, therelease print would be closer to the original camera print in quality.Currently, as merely an example, a typical film transfer service bureaumay charge from $2 to $3 per frame, thus a feature-length movie may costup to $500,000 per master negative. Further, typical films require aminimum of three master negatives. Because of this high cost, typicallythree or fewer master negatives are printed.

In light of the above, the inventors of the present invention haverealized that it is desirable to make further enhancements in the areaof image to film transfer.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to image to optical media transfer. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to digital image to filmtransfer. More particularly, the present method relates to new apparatusand techniques for increasing film transfer speed and film transferquality.

According to one aspect of the invention, a method for a film recorderis disclosed. One technique includes displaying a plurality of images ona modified liquid crystal display movably coupled to the film recorder,wherein the modified liquid crystal display panel comprises a liquidcrystal display panel with only a single polarizing media layer, anddisposing a linearly polarizing filter in an optical path of the filmrecorder. The process may also include orienting the linearly polarizingfilter in a first orientation relative to the modified liquid crystaldisplay panel to thereby configure the film recorder to receive theplurality of images as positive images, and orienting the linearlypolarizing filter in a second orientation relative to the modifiedliquid crystal display panel to thereby configure the film recorder toreceive the plurality of images as negative images.

According to another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for recordingimages to film media is described. One apparatus includes a liquidcrystal display substrate configured to display a plurality of images,wherein the liquid crystal display substrate includes only a singlepolarizing layer, and a film recorder movably coupled to the liquidcrystal display substrate, wherein the film recorder includes a lenshaving a polarizer coupled thereto, wherein when the polarizer isoriented in a first orientation, the film recorder is configured toreceive the plurality of images as positive images, and wherein when thepolarizer is oriented in a second orientation, the film recorder isconfigured to receive the plurality of images as negative images.

According to still another aspect of the invention, a method for anoptical media recorder to record a plurality of images displayed on a ona display substrate is described. One technique includes positioning apolarizing filter disposed on a lens of the optical media recorder in afirst orientation with respect to an orientation of a polarizing layeron the display substrate, wherein when the polarizing filter is in thefirst orientation with respect to the orientation of the polarizinglayer, the optical media recorder is configured to receive the pluralityof images as images in a first polarity. Various techniques includedisplaying the plurality of images on the display substrate, andthereafter recording the plurality of images as images in the firstpolarity on an optical media.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, a method for forming aimage transfer apparatus is disclosed. One method includes providing aliquid crystal display panel having a first linearly polarizing filmdisposed on a bottom surface of first transparent media, firsttransparent electrodes disposed upon a top surface of the firsttransparent media, a second linearly polarizing film disposed on a topsurface of a second transparent media, second transparent electrodesdisposed on a bottom surface of the second transparent media, and aliquid crystal media disposed between the first transparent electrodesand the second transparent electrodes. Additionally, techniques mayinclude removing the second linearly polarizing film from the topsurface of the second transparent media, and providing a optical mediarecorder movably coupled to the liquid crystal display panel. Theprocess may also include positioning a linearly polarizing filter in theoptical path of the optical media recorder, and orientating a polarizingdirection of the linearly polarizing filter relative to the liquidcrystal display.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to more fully understand the present invention, reference ismade to the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings arenot to be considered limitations in the scope of the invention, thepresently described embodiments and the presently understood best modeof the invention are described with additional detail through use of theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIGS. 1A-C illustrate an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A-B illustrate additional embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A-B illustrate a flow diagram according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 4A-D illustrate an example of an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 5A-B illustrates a flow diagram according to an embodiment of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1A-C illustrate embodiments of the present invention. Moreparticularly, FIGS. 1A-C illustrate a digital film recorder system. InFIG. 1A, a system 100 includes an optical recording device 102 (e.g. afilm recorder), a display device 104 (e.g. a flat-panel display), atrack 112, and a central processing unit (CPU) 106. The track 112 mayrun in a Z-direction and may include support members such as rails,rods, or the like for attaching film recording device 102 and displaydevice 104 thereto. Devices 102 and 104 may be attached to the track andbe moved towards and away from each other with the use of movableplatforms, for example. In one embodiment, devices 102 and 104 may besemi-permanently secured to the track by any known device or method. Inone embodiment, the positions of devices 102 and 104 are adjustable.

In the present embodiment, film recording device 102 may be anyconventional optical recording device, such as a 16-millimeter,35-millimeter, or 70-millimeter film movie cameras. Further, the opticalrecording media may be any conventional media, such as film media, orthe like. In other embodiments, recording device 102 may be a videocamera of any format, such as an HDTV camera, of any resolution, or thelike.

In the present embodiment, film recording device 102 is mounted upon amovable platform 122 that is mounted to track 112, with wheels 122 a.The movable platform may be motorized and controlled by a control unitor other device, such as CPU 106. Accordingly, the distance “D,” adistance between the front of display device 104 and a lens of the filmrecording device 102 may be adjusted by sliding the movable platform 122along the track in either direction.

In the present embodiment, cameras used as the film recording device 102may be auto focus or manual focus cameras. Additionally, such camerasmay include an adjustment unit (not individually shown) for adjustingthe focal length and aperture size of a lens, media (e.g. film) exposuretime, media advancement, and any other conventional adjustableparameters of film cameras. The adjustment unit of the film recordingdevice 102 may also be coupled to CPU 106. Accordingly, CPU 106 mayadjust any of the characteristics of the camera remotely, may controlthe camera motor to advance film, may control the camera shutter, andthe like.

Display device 104 may be a thin-film technology flat panel liquidcrystal display (LCD) and may be coupled with CPU 106. In oneembodiment, CPU 106 is also configure to drive (provide) display device104 with images. In another embodiment, a separate CPU may be used todrive display device 104. These images are typically provided in digitalformat, however, the images may also be provided in analog format inother embodiments. In other embodiments, displays built on other displaytechnology are also contemplated.

In one embodiment, display device 104 is based upon a 23-inch thin-filmtransistor (TFT) active matrix liquid crystal panel, havingapproximately 4000 by 2500-pixel resolution. In one non-limitingexample, such a panel is manufactured by International DisplayTechnology Co., Ltd., Japan, and available through IBM. In anotherembodiment, display device 104 is based upon a 23″ 1920×1200 pixelresolution LCD. In one non-limiting example, such a panel ismanufactured by L. G. Philips, and available through Apple computer. Invarious embodiments, displays 104 are configured to be driven with24-bit data (16.7 million colors), although in other embodiments, agreater bit-depth may become available. One of ordinary skill in the artwill recognize that embodiments of the present invention may usehigh-resolution displays that currently exist or may use displays anddisplay technologies that will be developed in the future. Incontemplated embodiments, display device 104 may be based uponactive-matrix (or passive) organic light emitting diode (OLED)technology, DLP digital light technology, LCOS technology, plasmatechnology, EL technology, or the like. Additional embodiments mayinclude other novel features described in the above-referencedapplications such as a display with additional stroboscopicillumination, a display with additional LED illumination, an LCD displaypumped with DLP illumination, or the like.

It will be understood by one skilled in the art that many desiredeffects may be achieved by varying the size of the display, theresolution of the display, the brightness of the display, the distancebetween the display area of the display and the lens of the recordingdevice, and the like. The camera characteristics of the recording devicemay be varied to achieve any effect desired. Further, many techniquesmay also be used to enhance the image displayed on display device 104.

In one example, spatial dithering techniques can be used to effectivelyincrease the number of apparent colors of display device 104. As isknown, display devices typically have a limited number of colors thatmay be reproduced, for example, a display device may support output 256colors (8-bits) for each primary color component. In one example,spatial dithering techniques may be used to drive two adjacent pixelswith a first and second color to give an effective appearance of a thirdcolor on the display. In one example, it has been determined that usingspatial dithering techniques, the display device can appear to have aneffective output of up to 1024 colors (10-bits) for each primary colorcomponent.

In operation, if an un-reproducible color for a pixel is desired thatlies between two reproducible colors on the display device, pixels ofthe display device may are assigned the two reproducible colors. In oneembodiment, determining which pixel is assigned which one of the two (ormore) colors may be random and weighted with the color that is closestto the desired one. When exposed to these display pixels, the film mediaintegrates the colors to form the desired color.

In one example, using a 3480×2400 pixel display and having every fourpixels in a square represent a dithered color, the effective opticalresolution of the display decreases by approximately half to 1740×1200.The effective resolution is smaller than typically desired for filmtransfer, accordingly other dithering methods to increase the number ofcolors recorded by the film may be used in addition to, or instead ofspatial dithering.

In another example, temporal techniques can be used to effectivelyenhance the number of apparent colors of display device 104. In thisembodiment, a frame of film media is exposed to a series of images ondisplay device 104. For a particular pixel on display device 104, in theseries of images, that value may vary. The values for that pixel mayboth be greater or lesser in value than the target color. Since the filmmedia integrates the colors, the color recorded at that pixel locationmay be one display device 104 is not normally able to produce.Accordingly, the apparent bit-depth for each primary color component iseffectively increased.

In still other embodiments, combinations of spatial and temporaldithering techniques may be used to increase the number of colors thatare recorded onto a film media. Dithering techniques thus effectivelyincrease the number of effective bits per color recorded onto filmmedia. In one embodiment, the increase is estimated to increase theeffective bit-depth from 8 bits per color to 10 bits per color, orgreater.

In the present embodiment, because even the highest quality display 104are not completely perpendicular to surface 112, a precision adjustmentdevice 114 may be attached to the rear of display device 104 to adjustthe orientation of the display. Adjustment device 114 may also be usedas a movable mount for display device 104 to track 112 to allow displaydevice 104 to be moved towards or away from recording device 102. In oneembodiment of the present invention, adjustment device 114 may be an XYZgimbal attached to the rear of display device 104. In this embodiment,the XYZ gimbal includes extremely fine adjustment capabilities should beused to more precisely orient the active display area of display device104 with the lens of the recording device 102. For example, the gimbalmay allow display device 104 to be positioned relative to recordingdevice 102, facing to the right or left (pan), tilting up or down(tilt), rotated clockwise or counterclockwise (roll), and even moving upor down. One having ordinary skill in the art will readily understandthat many instruments may be used to help ensure that display device 104is “flat” relative to recording device 102. Additionally, dithering maybe used to achieve relatively flawless effects on large display panels.

In the present embodiment, recording device 102 is focused upon thedisplay portion of display device 104. More specifically, one or morelenses of recording device 102 are adjusted until an image of displaydevice 104 is focused upon the image plane where the film media, or thelike, is located. In one embodiment, this may be facilitated byprojecting one or more test patterns on the display portion of displaydevice 104. The size and resolution of the image may be adjusted bymoving the display device 104 closer or farther away from the filmrecording device 102 along the track 112. The size of the display device104 may be adjusted as well. The display portion of display device 104is located at the focal plane of recording device 102.

In the present embodiment, an integrated controller (e.g., CPU 106) maybe used to monitor and/or drive the images being displayed on displaydevice 104. CPU 106 may also be used as well as used to physicallyadjust recording device 102 and display device 104, as described above.For example, resolution of an image may be changed by changing thedistance D between recording device 102 and display device 104, and/orby changing the display area size (image resolution) of the image beingdisplayed on display device 104. In the present embodiment, theappropriate software may be executed or CPU 106 in order to accomplishthe described features. In other embodiments, display device 104 may bedriven separately from recording device 102. However, in suchembodiments, it is still desirable to coordinate the operation of thesedevices in some way.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of system 100 according to an embodiment ofthe present invention. System 100 may include a film recording device102, a display device 104, a controller 106, a film recorder deviceadjustment unit 108, and a storage device 110 (e.g., data warehouse,disk farm, etc.). These devices may be configured as already describedabove with reference to FIG. 1A.

In this embodiment, the display device 104 is coupled with thecontroller 106. Controller 106 is coupled with the storage device 110and film recorder adjustment unit 108. The film recorder adjustment unit108 is also coupled with the film recorder device 102 and is configuredto adjust the distance D between the film recording device 102 and thedisplay device 104 and to adjust the camera characteristics of the filmrecording device 102, such as focal length, focus, etc.

In this embodiment, the controller 106 may include a CPU and istypically configured to control the display of images stored on storagedevice 110 onto display 104 as well as configured to coordinate andcontrol the film recording device 102 via the film recorder adjustmentunit 108. Further, the film recorder adjustment unit 108 may includeactuators and motors which may or may not be part of the film recordingdevice 102. Additionally, film recorder adjustment unit controls theadvancement of the film, opening and closing of the shutter, etc.

FIG. 1C illustrates an embodiment of the present invention, Morespecifically, FIG. 1C illustrates a three-dimensional view of oneembodiment. Illustrated in FIG. 1C are a track 112, movable platform122, a recording device 102 mounted thereon, and another movableplatform 124 for mounting one or more display devices 104. As shown, ashroud or a shutter mount 125 is provided which may be used inconjunction with the recording device 102 in order to better controlexposure.

In the present embodiment, track 112 can include one or more crossmember supports and feet. In one embodiment, platform 122 (and/orplatform 124) includes one or more tie down hand bolts 126 for securingplatform 122 relative to the track 112. Further, one or more wheels 122a may be provided to facilitate movement of platform 122 on track 112.In other embodiments platform 122 may also be laterally adjustable withrespect to platform 124.

FIGS. 2A-B illustrate additional embodiment of the present invention. Inparticular, FIGS. 2A-B illustrate construction of a typical flat paneldisplay 104, as illustrated in FIG. 1A.

In one example, flat panel display 104 includes a first substrate 1010and a second substrate 1020. In various embodiments, these substratesare typically transparent, and are typically made from glass. In otherembodiments, other types of media may be used for one or both of thesubstrates. For example, first substrate 1010 may be fabricated as alayer of silicon, and second substrate 1010 may be fabricated from adoped silicon dioxide layer.

In the present embodiment, sandwiched between first substrate 1010 andsecond substrate 1020 are liquid crystal cells, or pixels, 1050. As isknown, such liquid crystal cells 1050 may include transparent bottom andtop electrodes, liquid crystal media, spacers, colored filter material,and the like.

In one embodiment, first substrate 1010 is a glass layer. On the “back”or “bottom” side of first substrate 1010, a first polarizing media 1030is attached. Further, on the “front” or “top” side of the secondsubstrate 1020, a second polarizing media 1040 is attached. In thepresent embodiment, polarizing media 1030 and 1040 is typically a filmof polarizing media that transmits radiation, such as visible light, ina linear polarization.

In the present embodiment, a linear polarization direction of polarizingmedia 1030 is oriented orthogonal or perpendicular to a linearpolarization direction of polarizing media 1040. For example, polarizingmedia 1030 may transmit light in a right-left polarization andpolarizing media 1040 may transmit light in a up-down polarization, andthe like.

In this example, polarizing media 1030 and 1040 may be attached to firstsubstrate 1010 and second substrate 1020, respectively with an adhesive.Typically, the adhesive is relatively transparent when dry. In oneembodiment, polarizing media 1030 and 1040 may include self-adhesivesurfaces, and in another embodiment, an external adhesive is used.

In this embodiment, polarizing media 1040 may also includeanti-reflective and/or anti-glare properties. For example, a surface ofthe polarizing media 1040 away from the top side of the second substrate1020 may include a finely roughened surface so as to reduce reflectionsand/or glare. In the present embodiment, the feature size of theroughened surface is typically much smaller than a pixel size.

In another example, an anti-reflective, anti-glare layer, a retardationlayer, or the like may be disposed upon polarizing media 1040. Suchlayers may also be self-adhesive, deposited directly upon the polarizingmedia 1040 (anti-reflective coating (ARC)), require an externaladhesive, or the like.

In one embodiment, flat panel display 104 may be based upon a 23″diagonal, cold cathode fluorescent light, panel having a resolution of1920 horizontal by 1200 vertical pixels by 24-bits, manufactured by LGPhilips. One such monitor based upon this panel is available from AppleComputer. In another embodiment, flat panel display 104 may be basedupon a 23″ diagonal panel having a resolution of about 3480×2400 pixelsmanufactured by International Display Technology Co., Ltd., Japan. Onesuch monitor based upon this panel is available from IBM.

In other embodiments of the present invention, monitors based uponpanels with similar resolutions or higher resolutions can be used. Itshould be understood that later developed monitors having a greaterresolution, based upon later developed display technologies, or the likeare all considered within the scope of contemplated embodiments.Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed herein are merely illustrative,and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the claimedinvention.

FIG. 2B illustrates another embodiment of the present invention.

In another example, flat panel display 104 includes a first substrate1060. In various embodiments, first substrates 1060 is typicallytransparent, and may be made from glass, Mylar, poly hexylthyiophene, orthe like. Typically a transparent electrode 1070, such as ITO, isdisposed on the “back” side of first substrate 1060. Conventional OLEDpixels 1080 including hole-injection material, electron-transportmaterial, and organic emitters is then coupled to transparent electrode1070.

In some embodiments, OLED pixels 1080 are sandwiched between transparentelectrode 1070 and a patterned electrode layer 1090. In embodiments ofthe present invention, patterned electrode layer 1090 may or may not befabricated upon a second substrate. In some embodiments the secondsubstrate may be a silicon-based such as glass, amorphous silicon, orthe like.

In FIG. 2B, an anti-reflective, anti-glare layer (“frosted” layer), aretardation layer, or the like 1095 maybe disposed upon the “front” sideof first substrate 1060. Such layers may also be self-adhesive,deposited directly upon the first substrate 1060 (anti-reflectivecoating (ARC)), require an external adhesive, or the like.

High resolution embodiments of OLED displays are not yet commerciallyavailable. However, after studying engineering samples, the inventorbelieves that in light of the present disclosure, embodiments can easilybe adapted to work with OLED displays.

The inventors have discovered that capturing images with film recordingdevice 102, an optical recorder, from flat panel display 104 has someadditional limitations, over and above the problems and solutionsdetailed in the preceding figures and specification. One such limitationis that images received by optical recorder 102 may include undesiredoptical distortions.

In the image to film capture embodiments described above, the inventorshave recognized that even small optical distortions have a significantimpact in the quality of the film images. As an example, the LG Philipspanel has a display size of approximately 19.5 inches by approximately12 inches, and the images captured from the panel will be projected ontoa theater screen. Current theater screens typically range from 30′across and 20′ high up to 60′ across and 30′ high. Accordingly, theimages captured from the panel may be magnified from 20 to 30 times, orgreater.

Some optical imperfections or defects on a flat panel display arevisible or noticeable to typical users of flat panel displays. However,it is believed that some optical imperfections or defects on a flatpanel display may not be visible or noticeable to typical users of flatpanel displays. Such defects are typically characterized as coherent(definite) patterns that are stationary and pronounced (apparent). Whenan image on a screen is panned up or down, such as is common withmovies, such stationary defects are more perceptible to a trained eye.Because, the flat panel displays are being used herein specifically fordisplaying images and because defects will be greatly magnified, theinventors have determined that such apparent defects should be reduced.It is not believed that any prior art have considered the new and novelproblems discovered herein, much less discovered the new and novelsolutions herein.

After careful investigation, the inventor believes that one source ofthe undesired optical distortions is associated with the addition oflayers on top of the top substrate. More specifically, the inventorbelieves that one or more of the following can introduce undesiredoptical distortions to the image produced by pixels 1050: polarizingmedia 1040, anti-glare properties, anti-reflective coatings, adhesivematerials, and the like. For example, as disclosed above, polarizingmedia 1040 may have a front surface that is diffuse similar to frostedglass, to reduce reflections for a viewer. As another example, anadhesive layer used to secure an anti-glare layer to a substrate mayinclude small air-bubbles, streaks or the like that act as lightdiffusers. Some examples of defects include streaks in variousdirections and in various widths. For example, streaks may vary from 1inch or less to up to one-third or one half the screen width or greater,and may run top-to-bottom, left-to-right, diagonal, or the like. Inembodiments of the present invention, defects of any characteristic arecontemplated.

In light of the above, the inventor has developed additional embodimentsto address these problems. Specifically, on one case, the inventors havediscovered that optical techniques can be used to help reduce theoptical defects when recording images to film. Other embodiments mayinclude digital techniques to reduce optical defects. In still otherembodiments, combinations of digital adjustment and optical adjustmenttechniques can both be performed.

FIGS. 3A-B illustrates a flow diagram according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. In particular, FIGS. 3A-B illustrate a method forreducing the undesired optical distortions.

Initially, film recording device 102 is positioned with respect to flatpanel display 104 to enable film recording device 102 to capture theentire display portion of flat panel display 104, step 1100. Next, flatpanel display 104 is driven from CPU 106 with a first pre-determinedimage, step 1110. In one embodiment, the predetermined image is an imagewith uniform output pixel values, for example, where all pixels areturned on. In various embodiments, all of the pixels are driven to auniform brightness, for example, at their maximum value, e.g. R=256,G=256, B=256; or at any other pre-determined value, e.g. R=128, G=128,B=128.

In another embodiment, flat-panel display can be driven with a series ofpre-determined images corresponding to primary color component. Forexample, first R=250, G=0, B=0; then R=0, G=250, B=0; then R=0, G=0,B=250. In these embodiments, the following steps may be repeated foreach respective color component.

In the present embodiment, while flat panel display 104 is driven withuniform output pixel values, flat panel display 104 displays a imagethat includes optical distortions, step 1120, such as those describedabove. For example, the image may correspond to the pre-determined imagethat is blurred slightly because of the anti-glare diffuse layer or theadhesive layer, or the like.

In one embodiment, film recording device 102 captures the imagedisplayed on flat panel display 104, step 1130. Typically film recordingdevice 102 exposes the image to one or more frames of film media,although any photo-sensitive, or radiation-sensitive media may also beused. These steps may be repeated in embodiments where color componentsare separately excited.

Next, the exposed frames are developed, and a complementing image isproduced, step 1140. As will be illustrated below, the complementingimage will be used to help reduce optical distortions in subsequentimages recorded onto film media. In one embodiment, the complementingimage may be enlarged to be approximately the same size of the displayarea of flat panel display 104, for example 23″ diagonal. In anotherembodiment, the complementing image will be kept as the same size.

FIGS. 4A-D illustrate an example of an embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 4A illustrates an “ideal” image 1200 that should berecorded to a frame of film media without optical distortions. In thisembodiment, this should correspond to the pre-determined image. Forexample, ideal image 1200 may be an image that is uniform in gray scalevalue and color.

In this example, FIG. 4B illustrates an image 1210 on a frame of filmmedia including optical distortions 1220 with respect to ideal image1200. In this example, ideal image 1200 may have a uniform value of 256or each color component. In contrast, image 1210 may have a uniformvalue of 256, but optical distortions 1200 have a value of 250.

In the present example, FIG. 4C illustrates an example of acomplementing image 1230 formed in response to image 1210 in FIG. 4B. Inthis example, complementing image 1230 includes a region 1240 that has auniform value, and regions 1250 at a different value. Using the examplein FIG. 4B, region 1240 may have the value of 250, and regions 1250 mayhave the value of 256. As will be illustrated below, the values ofcomplementing image 1230 approximately complement the affect of theoptical distortions.

Returning to FIGS. 3A-B, in one embodiment, the complementing image, istypically disposed in or near a focal plane of film recording device102, e.g. directly in front of flat panel display 104, step 1150. Thisembodiment assumes the complementing image is enlarged, as discussedabove, and placed “in front” of a lens of film recording device 102. Inanother embodiment, the complementing image is kept as the same size asthe film media, and is disposed at the image plane of film recordingdevice 102, i.e “behind” the lens of film recording device. At thisstage in the process, film recording device 102 is configured tooptically reduce the optical distortions described above.

Next, flat panel display 104 is driven with one or more frames of imagedata, for example, frames of a movie, step 1160. In response, flat paneldisplay 104 displays the images, step 1170. These images will typicallyexhibit the same type of optical distortions characterized above.

In one embodiment, these images are focused by one or more focusingelements of film recording device to the focal plane. The image ispassed through the complementing image, before being exposed to the filmmedia, step 1180. As a result of this process, the frames of image dataare recorded onto the film media with a reduced optical distortion.

As illustrated in the example in FIG. 4D a subsequent image 1260 thatincludes optical distortions 1270 is received. In one example,subsequent image 1260 has a grayscale value of 200, with opticaldistortions 1270 at value 194. Exposing subsequent image 1260 throughthe complementing image 1230, produces image 1280. In this example,image 1280 may have a uniform grayscale value of about 200. In otherexamples, the subsequent image 1260 may be a color image.

In the present embodiment, an additional step of increasing the exposuretime, increasing the amount of illumination of flat panel display 104,or the like may be necessary because of light attenuation due to theaddition of the complementing image at the focal plane.

In other embodiments of the present invention, an optical distortion maybe determined for each component color. For example, an opticaldistortion is characterized for a red channel, blue channel, and a greenchannel. In embodiments of the present invention, the opticaldistortions may bias one or more colors. In such a case, a compositecomplementing image may be formed by combining complementing images fromeach color component. If there is a channel bias, when viewed, thecomposite complementing image may illustrate the color bias. Subsequentimages acquired through the complementing image will thus be correctedfor color-based optical distortions.

In additional embodiments, display driver compensating techniques arealso envisioned to reduce optical defects. In such embodiments, beforesubsequent images are sent to drive the flat panel display, they will beadjusted digitally, for example, combined with a digital compensationimage. In such embodiments, the digital compensation image may becaptured with an optical sensor, such as a CCD. Such a CCD should have aresolution at least double than the resolution of the flat panel displayin each direction. In other embodiments, the digital compensation imagemay be determined by scanning and processing the image recorded in step1130, above. By recording the image in step 1130 onto film anddigitizing the result, it is believed that the digital compensationimage would be more accurate. In other embodiments, combinations ofdigital compensation and optical adjustment techniques can both beperformed to reduce any optical distortion.

FIGS. 5A-B illustrate a flow diagram according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. In particular, FIGS. 5A-B illustrate an alternativemethod for reducing the undesired optical distortions.

Initially, flat panel display 104, is provided, step 1300. As describedabove in FIG. 10, a typical flat panel display includes a number oflayers, including polarizing media 1040 adhered to display substrate1020. Further, polarizing media 1040 may have an anti-glare feature,and/or additional layers disposed on top of it.

In this embodiment, flat panel display 104 is typically disassembled orremoved from its plastic or metal housing, step 1310. This may be donewith care, with custom or special tooling.

Next, polarizing media 1040 is removed from display substrate 1020, step1320. In one embodiment, polarizing media 1040 is typically a film orlayer of polarizing material disposed within a plastic sheet, or thelike. In such a case, removing polarizing media 1040 may be done byphysically pulling upon the plastic sheet. It is contemplated that thisstep may remove all layers on top of display substrate 1020.

In one embodiment, after removal of polarizing media 1040, displaysubstrate 1020 may still have a residual adhesive layer. This layer isremoved, and/or display substrate 1020 is cleaned, step 1330. Theinventor tested a wide variety of cleaners and solvents in determining asolution necessary to clean the adhesive layer. In this example, toremove the adhesive layer from display substrate 1020, the inventor hasdiscovered that a solution including propanol and Glycol ethers issuitable for removing adhesive and cleaning display substrate 1020. Onesuch solution is marketed under the name “Expo White Board Cleaner.”

Next, film recording device 102 is provided and positioned relative tothe modified flat panel display (flat panel substrate) typically in amanner described above, step 1340. As disclosed above, film recordingdevice 102 is one type of optical media recorder including one or morecamera lenses depending upon specific configuration.

In the present embodiment, a linearly polarizing filter is coupled tothe front of the camera lens, step 1350. In embodiments of the presentinvention, the linearly polarizing filter may be placed in virtually anylocation on the optical path between the flat panel display 104 and filmmedia in film recording device 102. For example, the linearly polarizingfilter may be placed adjacent to an image plane, may be placed in frontor in back of a shutter of film recording device 102, may be placed atthe focal plane, or the like. In one embodiment, the linearly polarizingfilter is positioned as a filter in front of the lens.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the linearly polarizingfilter is typically freely rotatable around the optical axis of thecamera lens such that the direction of polarization can be freelyselected. Examples of a linearly polarizing filter are Mounted LinearGlass Polarizing Filters available from Edmund Industrial Optics, RoylnOptics, Hiliopan, CVI Laser Corporation, or the like. In anotherembodiment, the polarizing filter may be in a fixed position, thus thedirection of linear polarization will be in a fixed direction.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5A-B, a determination is then made as to whatpolarity of images will be recorded onto the film media, step 1360. Morespecifically, a determination is made by the user whether to recordpositive images onto film media or to record negative images onto filmmedia. In other embodiments of the present invention, this step need notbe performed. Instead, the system may be pre-configured to record onlypositive images or to record only negative images. This may befacilitated by having the polarizing filter be in a fixed position, asdescribed in one embodiment, above.

In the case where the system is to record positive images, the linearlypolarizing filter is rotated until a positive image is received by thefilm media, step 1370. This can he determined by, for example, lookingthrough a viewfinder of film recording device 102 and rotating andadjusting the polarizing filter until a positive image is viewed and isvivid in appearance. In this position, the linear direction ofpolarization of the linear polarizing filter will be orientedapproximately 90 degrees from the linear direction of polarization ofpolarizing media 1030. Further, the linear direction of the polarizationof the linear polarizing filter will be oriented in approximately thesame direction as the linear direction of polarization of polarizingmedia 1040. In this embodiment, the system is thus configured to recordpositive polarity images to film media.

In the present embodiment, subsequent images output to the modified flatpanel display are exposed to the film media as positive images, step1380. This “camera positive” may also be used as an “interpositive” fromwhich master negatives for release prints can be made. In the case wherethe system is to record negative images, the linearly polarizing filteris rotated until a negative image is received by the film media, step1390. This can be determined by, for example, looking through aviewfinder of film recording device 102 and rotating and adjusting thepolarizing filter until a negative image is viewed and is vivid inappearance. In this position, the linear direction of polarization ofthe linear polarizing filter will be oriented approximately in the samedirection as the linear direction of polarization of polarizing media1030. Further, the linear direction of the polarization of the linearpolarizing filter will be oriented approximately orthogonal to thelinear direction of polarization of polarizing media 1040. In thisembodiment, the system is thus configured to record negative polarityimages to film media.

In the present embodiment, subsequent images output to the modified flatpanel display are exposed to the film media as negative images, step1395. This “original negative,” digital duplicate negative “dupe” ormaster negative may also be used an “intemegative” from which “releaseprints” can be made.

The inventor has discovered that the ease of reconfiguring the systemabove, to record positive images or negative images to film media isunprecedented. For example, the process above may be repeated, asillustrated in FIGS. 5A-B, to configure the system from recordingpositive images to recording negative images to film media, or toconfigure the system from recording negative images to recordingpositive images to film media.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention. In a firstconfiguration 1400, the system is configured to expose film media to apositive polarity image. Next with a simple turn of the linearpolarizing filter, the system is a second configuration 1410, andconfigured to expose film media to a negative polarity image.

In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described withreference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. Many changes ormodifications are readily envisioned. In light of the above disclosure,one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that any number ofapplications of the above concepts are possible. For example, variousembodiments of flat panel displays are contemplated such as LCD, OLED,Plasma, EL, and the like; various supplemental illumination sources arecontemplated, such as xenon flash, argon flash, led, and the like;various positioning mechanisms are contemplated, such as movableplatform on a track, gimbaled mechanism, and the like.

In other embodiments of the present invention, the removal of film orlayers on top of the front substrate may simply be removed to increaseimage quality. In the case of a LCD panel, this removes the frontpolarization layer thus requiring compensation, as described in FIGS.5A-B. However in the case of OLED, Plasma, and other types of displaywithout a polarizer, images may be directly acquired by the filmrecording device.

In the above embodiments, it is contemplated that the amount of timerequired to record an image from the flat panel display to the filmmedia may be on the order of one second. In other embodiments whereadditional lighting embodiments are provided, the exposure time may bereduced further. In contrast, previous laser film recorders requiredexposure times of five or ten seconds, or greater. Accordingly, therecording process time is advantageously reduced.

In embodiments of the present invention, because the film recordingprocess is reduced, users now have ability to directly createinterpositive or internegative images not only camera negatives. Thepractical implications are that fewer film transfer processes or dupesare required between the exposed film media and the release print.Accordingly, release prints will have better quality by at least one ortwo generations, thereby increasing the quality of the release print andaudiences' theatre experience.

In embodiments of the present invention, the inventors have determinedthat other advantages are provided. In the present embodiment, when afront polarizing film is removed from the flat panel display, to acasual observer, an image displayed on the flat panel display willdisappear. This is because the human eye cannot typically distinguishbetween radiation polarization. More specifically, without the frontpolarizing film, a user cannot distinguish between linear polarizationin an up-down direction and a left-right direction, for example.

Accordingly, images output by the modified flat panel display cannot beseen to an unaided user. An example of this is illustrated in FIG. 6where film media may be recorded however a casual observer 1420 cannotsee what is being recorded on the flat panel display without assistance.

The inventor has recognized that this effect has practical advantages.One such advantage is a security function. For example, in anembodiment, a computer-image to film transfer is performed by an outsideservice organization. In such a case, the service personnel canconfigure the system in the manner described above, and can monitor thefilm transfer process, however they cannot actually view the images fromthe modified flat panel display. The secrecy of the film is thus moreeasily preserved, which is very important for blockbuster” movies.Because the images cannot be easily viewed from the modified flat paneldisplay, embodiments of the present invention can reduce unauthorized orpirated copies of a feature during the image to film transfer.

In another embodiment, personnel monitoring the transfer process may beauthorized to view a restricted images or a set of images from thefeature. In such cases, these personnel may be issued special Polaroidglasses (linearly polarized glasses) during such times, so they candirectly view the image on the modified flat panel display.

Embodiments of the present invention may be applied to any type of imagethat may be displayed on a flat panel monitor. For example, the imagesmay be computer generated, the images may be a combination of computergenerated and live action, the images may be derived from any number ofvideo sources such as 720 i (30 fps), 720 p (24 or 60 fps), 1080 i (30fps), 1080 p (24 or 60 fps), or the like. Accordingly, the conceptsdisclosed above are extremely valuable in a variety of applications,e.g. military.

Further embodiments can be envisioned to one of ordinary skill in theart after reading the attached documents. In other embodiments,combinations or sub-combinations of the above disclosed invention can beadvantageously made. The block diagrams of the architecture and flowcharts are grouped for ease of understanding. However it should beunderstood that combinations of blocks, additions of new blocks,re-arrangement of blocks, and the like are contemplated in alternativeembodiments of the present invention.

The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive sense. It will, however, beevident that various modifications and changes may be made thereuntowithout departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention asset forth in the claims.

1. A method for a film recorder comprises; displaying a plurality ofimages on a modified liquid crystal display movably coupled to the filmrecorder, wherein the modified liquid crystal display panel comprises aliquid crystal display panel with only a single polarizing media layer;disposing a linearly polarizing filter in an optical path of the filmrecorder; orienting the linearly polarizing filter in a firstorientation relative to the modified liquid crystal display panel tothereby configure the film recorder to receive the plurality of imagesas positive images; and orienting the linearly polarizing filter in asecond orientation relative to the modified liquid crystal display panelto thereby configure the film recorder to receive the plurality ofimages as negative images.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the firstorientation and second orientation are orthogonal.
 3. The method ofclaim 1 wherein providing the modified crystal display furthercomprises: removing the front polarizing media from a front glass layerof the liquid crystal display panel; and removing adhesive from thefront glass layer.
 4. The method of claim 3 wherein removing adhesivefrom the front glass layer comprises applying a solution comprising:isopropyl alcohol ethyl ether, 2-butoxy ethanol
 5. The method of claim 1further comprising recording the plurality of images as images on filmmedia selected from the group: positive images, negative images.
 6. Themethod of claim 1 wherein positive images on the film media form aninterpositive.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein disposing a linearlypolarizing filter in an optical path of the film recorder comprisesattaching the linearly polarizing filter at a location selected from thegroup: in front of a shutter of the film recorder, in back of theshutter of the film recorder.
 8. An apparatus for recording images tofilm media includes: a liquid crystal display substrate configured todisplay a plurality of images, wherein the liquid crystal displaysubstrate includes only a single polarizing layer; a film recordermovably coupled to the liquid crystal display substrate, wherein thefilm recorder includes a lens having a polarizer coupled thereto,wherein when the polarizer is oriented in a first orientation, the filmrecorder is configured to receive the plurality of images as positiveimages, and wherein when the polarizer is oriented in a secondorientation, the film recorder is configured to receive the plurality ofimages as negative images.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the filmrecorder is configured to record the positive images onto film mediawhen the polarizer is oriented in the first orientation.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 8 wherein the film recorder is configured to recordthe negative images onto film media when the polarizer is oriented inthe second orientation.
 11. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the firstorientation is perpendicular to the second orientation.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 8 wherein the polarizer comprises a linear polarizer;wherein the single polarizing layer comprises a linear polarizer havinga first orientation; and wherein the first orientation of the polarizeris orthogonal to the first orientation of the polarizing layer.
 13. Theapparatus of claim 8 wherein the second orientation of the polarizer isaligned with the first orientation of the polarizing layer.
 14. A methodfor an optical media recorder to record a plurality of images displayedon a display substrate comprises: positioning a polarizing filterdisposed on a lens of the optical media recorder in a first orientationwith respect to an orientation of a polarizing layer on the displaysubstrate, wherein when the polarizing filter is in the firstorientation with respect to the orientation of the polarizing layer, theoptical media recorder is configured to receive the plurality of imagesas images in a first polarity; displaying the plurality of images on thedisplay substrate; and thereafter recording the plurality of images asimages in the first polarity on an optical media.
 15. The method ofclaim 14 further comprising: repositioning the polarizing filterdisposed on the lens of the optical media recorder from the firstorientation with respect to the orientation of the polarizing layer to asecond orientation with respect to the orientation of the polarizinglayer, wherein when the polarizing filter is in the second orientationwith respect to the orientation of the polarizing layer, the opticalmedia recorder is configured to receive the plurality of images asimages in a second polarity, wherein the first orientation is orthogonalto the second orientation; displaying the plurality of images on thedisplay substrate; and thereafter recording the plurality of images asimages in the second polarity on an optical media.
 16. The method ofclaim 14 wherein the first polarity is selected from the group:positive, negative.
 17. The method of claim 14 wherein the optical mediacomprises film media.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein recording theplurality of images as images in the first polarity on the film mediacomprises creating an intermediate print selected from the group:interpositive, intemegative.
 19. The method of claim 17 furthercomprising printing a copy of the film media.
 20. The method of claim 19wherein the first polarity is positive; and wherein printing the copy ofthe film media comprises printing an intemegative.
 21. A method forforming a image transfer apparatus comprises: providing a liquid crystaldisplay panel having a first linearly polarizing film disposed on abottom surface of first transparent media, first transparent electrodesdisposed upon a top surface of the first transparent media, a secondlinearly polarizing film disposed on a top surface of a secondtransparent media, second transparent electrodes disposed on a bottomsurface of the second transparent media, and a liquid crystal mediadisposed between the first transparent electrodes and the secondtransparent electrodes; removing the second linearly polarizing filmfrom the top surface of the second transparent media; providing aoptical media recorder movably coupled to the liquid crystal displaypanel; positioning a linearly polarizing filter in the optical path ofthe optical media recorder; and orientating a polarizing direction ofthe linearly polarizing filter relative to the liquid crystal display.22. The method of claim 21 wherein positioning the linearly polarizingfilter comprises positioning the linearly polarizing filter in alocation selected from the group: adjacent to a lens of a lens of theoptical media recorder; behind a shutter of the optical media recorder,in front of the shutter of the optical media recorder, adjacent to animage plane of the optical media recorder.
 23. The method of claim 21further comprising cleaning the top surface of the second transparentmedia of an adhesive layer.
 24. The method of claim 21 whereinorientating the linearly polarizing filter comprises orientating thepolarizing direction of the linearly polarizing filter relative to apolarizing direction of the second linearly polarizing film from anorientation selected from the group: orthogonal, parallel.
 25. Themethod of claim 24 wherein orientating the linearly polarizing filtercomprises orientating the polarizing direction of the linearlypolarizing filter relative to a polarizing direction of the firstlinearly polarizing film from an orientation selected from the group:perpendicular, parallel.
 26. The method of claim 21 wherein removing thesecond linearly polarizing film further comprises cleaning the topsurface of the second transparent media with a solution comprisingglycol ether, propanol.
 27. The method of claim 21 wherein orientatingthe polarizing direction of the linearly polarizing filter relative tothe liquid crystal display in a first orientation configures the opticalmedia recorder to receive positive polarity images; and whereinorientating the polarizing direction of the linearly polarizing filterrelative to the liquid crystal display in a second orientationconfigures the optical media recorder to receive negative polarityimages.